Jove’s False Dream and the Armies Assemble

Now the other gods and the armed warriors on the plain slept soundly, but Jove was wakeful, for he was thinking how to do honour to Achilles, and destroyed much people at the ships of the Achaeans. In the end he deemed it would be best to send a lying dream to King Agamemnon; so he called one to him and said to it, “Lying Dream, go to the ships of the Achaeans, into the tent of Agamemnon, and say to him word for word as I now bid you. Tell him to get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for he shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans.”

The other gods and the armed warriors on the plain slept soundly. But Jove stayed awake because he was thinking about how to honor Achilles. And he killed many people at the ships of the Achaeans. In the end, he decided the best plan was to send a lying dream to King Agamemnon. So he called a dream to him and said, “Lying Dream, go to the ships of the Achaeans and enter Agamemnon’s tent. Give Agamemnon this message, word for word, exactly as I tell you. Tell him to arm the Achaeans immediately, because he will capture Troy. The gods no longer disagree. Juno has persuaded them to take her side, and disaster awaits the Trojans.”

The dream went when it had heard its message, and soon reached the ships of the Achaeans. It sought Agamemnon son of Atreus and found him in his tent, wrapped in a profound slumber. It hovered over his head in the likeness of Nestor, son of Neleus, whom Agamemnon honoured above all his councillors, and said:—

After hearing its message, the dream set out and soon reached the ships of the Achaeans. It looked for Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and found him deeply asleep in his tent. The dream hovered over his head in the form of Nestor, son of Neleus. Agamemnon respected Nestor above all his other advisers. In Nestor’s form, the dream said:

“You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the welfare of his host and so much other care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at once, for I come as a messenger from Jove, who, though he be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this, and when you wake see that it does not escape you.”

“You are sleeping, son of Atreus. Someone responsible for his army’s welfare, with so many other burdens, should sleep less. Listen to me now, for I come as a messenger from Jove. Though he is far away, he still thinks of you and feels pity for you. He orders you to arm the Achaeans immediately, for you will take Troy. The gods no longer disagree. Juno has won them over to her way of thinking, and Jove will bring suffering upon the Trojans. Remember this message, and make sure you do not forget it when you wake.”

The dream then left him, and he thought of things that were surely not to be accomplished. He thought that on that same day he was to take the city of Priam, but he little knew what was in the mind of Jove, who had many another hard-fought fight in store alike for Danaans and Trojans. Then presently he woke, with the divine message still ringing in his ears; so he sat upright, and put on his soft shirt so fair and new, and over this his heavy cloak. He bound his sandals on to his comely feet, and slung his silver-studded sword about his shoulders; then he took the imperishable staff of his father, and sallied forth to the ships of the Achaeans.

The dream then left him, and he imagined things that would certainly never happen. He thought he would capture the city of Priam that very day. But he knew little of what Jove had in mind. Jove had many more hard-fought battles in store for both Danaans and Trojans. Soon he woke, with the divine message still ringing in his ears. So he sat up and put on his soft shirt, so fine and new, then his heavy cloak over it. He tied his sandals onto his handsome feet and slung his silver-studded sword over his shoulders. Then he took his father’s staff, which could never perish, and set out for the ships of the Achaeans.

The goddess Dawn now wended her way to vast Olympus that she might herald day to Jove and to the other immortals, and Agamemnon sent the criers round to call the people in assembly; so they called them and the people gathered thereon. But first he summoned a meeting of the elders at the ship of Nestor king of Pylos, and when they were assembled he laid a cunning counsel before them.

The goddess Dawn now made her way to vast Olympus to announce daybreak to Jove and the other immortals. Agamemnon sent criers around to call the people to an assembly. So the criers called, and the people gathered. But first, Agamemnon called the elders together at the ship of Nestor, king of Pylos. When the elders had gathered, Agamemnon presented a cunning plan to them.

“My friends,” said he, “I have had a dream from heaven in the dead of night, and its face and figure resembled none but Nestor’s. It hovered over my head and said, ‘You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the welfare of his host and so much other care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at once, for I am a messenger from Jove, who, though he be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this.’ The dream then vanished and I awoke. Let us now, therefore, arm the sons of the Achaeans. But it will be well that I should first sound them, and to this end I will tell them to fly with their ships; but do you others go about among the host and prevent their doing so.”

“My friends,” he said, “I had a dream from heaven in the middle of the night. The figure in the dream looked exactly like Nestor in face and form. It hovered over my head and said, ‘You are sleeping, son of Atreus. A man responsible for his army’s welfare, with so many other burdens, should sleep less. Listen to me now, for I am a messenger from Jove. Though he is far away, he thinks of you and pities you. He orders you to arm the Achaeans at once, for you will take Troy. The gods are no longer divided. Juno has brought them around to her view, and Jove will bring disaster on the Trojans. Remember this message.’ The dream then vanished, and I woke up. So let us now arm the sons of the Achaeans. But first, I should test them. To do so, I will tell them to flee in their ships. But the rest of you must go among the troops and stop them from leaving.”

He then sat down, and Nestor the prince of Pylos with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: “My friends,” said he, “princes and councillors of the Argives, if any other man of the Achaeans had told us of this dream we should have declared it false, and would have had nothing to do with it. But he who has seen it is the foremost man among us; we must therefore set about getting the people under arms.”

He then sat down, and Nestor, the prince of Pylos, spoke to them with complete sincerity and goodwill. “My friends,” he said, “princes and councillors of the Argives, if any other Achaean had told us about this dream, we would have called the dream false. We would have wanted nothing to do with it. But the man who had the dream is the foremost among us. So we must begin getting the men ready for battle.”

With this he led the way from the assembly, and the other sceptred kings rose with him in obedience to the word of Agamemnon; but the people pressed forward to hear. They swarmed like bees that sally from some hollow cave and flit in countless throng among the spring flowers, bunched in knots and clusters; even so did the mighty multitude pour from ships and tents to the assembly, and range themselves upon the wide-watered shore, while among them ran Wildfire Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging them ever to the fore. Thus they gathered in a pell-mell of mad confusion, and the earth groaned under the tramp of men as the people sought their places. Nine heralds went crying about among them to stay their tumult and bid them listen to the kings, till at last they were got into their several places and ceased their clamour. Then King Agamemnon rose, holding his sceptre. This was the work of Vulcan, who gave it to Jove the son of Saturn. Jove gave it to Mercury, slayer of Argus, guide and guardian. King Mercury gave it to Pelops, the mighty charioteer, and Pelops to Atreus, shepherd of his people. Atreus, when he died, left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left it to be borne by Agamemnon, that he might be lord of all Argos and of the isles. Leaning, then, on his sceptre, he addressed the Argives.

With these words, he led the way out of the assembly. The other kings, each carrying a sceptre, rose with him, obeying Agamemnon’s command. But the people pressed forward to hear. They swarmed like bees pouring from a hollow cave and flying in countless numbers among the spring flowers, gathering in clusters. Just so, the vast crowd poured from the ships and tents to the assembly and gathered along the broad, wave-washed shore. Among them ran Wildfire Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging them ever forward. So they gathered in wild confusion, and the earth groaned under their footsteps as the people sought their places. Nine heralds moved among them, shouting for them to quiet down and listen to the kings. At last, everyone settled into their places and fell silent. Then King Agamemnon stood up, holding his sceptre. Vulcan had made the sceptre and given it to Jove, the son of Saturn. Jove gave it to Mercury, slayer of Argus, guide and guardian. King Mercury gave it to Pelops, the mighty charioteer. Pelops gave it to Atreus, shepherd of his people. When Atreus died, he left the sceptre to Thyestes, who owned great flocks. Thyestes in turn left it for Agamemnon to carry, so he might rule all Argos and the islands. Then, leaning on his sceptre, Agamemnon addressed the Argives.

“My friends,” he said, “heroes, servants of Mars, the hand of heaven has been laid heavily upon me. Cruel Jove gave me his solemn promise that I should sack the city of Priam before returning, but he has played me false, and is now bidding me go ingloriously back to Argos with the loss of much people. Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many a proud city in the dust, as he will yet lay others, for his power is above all. It will be a sorry tale hereafter that an Achaean host, at once so great and valiant, battled in vain against men fewer in number than themselves; but as yet the end is not in sight. Think that the Achaeans and Trojans have sworn to a solemn covenant, and that they have each been numbered—the Trojans by the roll of their householders, and we by companies of ten; think further that each of our companies desired to have a Trojan householder to pour out their wine; we are so greatly more in number that full many a company would have to go without its cup-bearer. But they have in the town allies from other places, and it is these that hinder me from being able to sack the rich city of Ilius. Nine of Jove’s years are gone; the timbers of our ships have rotted; their tackling is sound no longer. Our wives and little ones at home look anxiously for our coming, but the work that we came hither to do has not been done. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say: let us sail back to our own land, for we shall not take Troy.”

“My friends,” he said, “heroes, servants of Mars, heaven has dealt me a heavy blow. Cruel Jove solemnly promised that I would sack the city of Priam before returning home. But he has betrayed me. Now he orders me back to Argos in disgrace, with many of my people lost. Such is the will of Jove, who has brought many proud cities to ruin. He will destroy others too, for his power is greater than all others. In years to come, people will tell a shameful story about us. So great and brave an Achaean army fought in vain against men fewer in number. Yet the end is still nowhere in sight. “Imagine that the Achaeans and Trojans have sworn a solemn agreement and counted their men. The Trojans have counted their householders, and we have divided ourselves into groups of ten. Imagine, too, that each of our groups wanted a Trojan householder to pour its wine. We outnumber the Trojans so greatly that many of our groups would have no one to pour for them. But the Trojans have allies from other places inside the city. These allies keep me from sacking the rich city of Ilius. “Nine years of Jove have passed. Our ships’ timbers have rotted, and their rigging is no longer sound. Our wives and little children wait anxiously at home for our return. But we have not done the work we came here to do. So now let us all do as I say. Let us sail back to our own land, for we will not take Troy.”

With these words he moved the hearts of the multitude, so many of them as knew not the cunning counsel of Agamemnon. They surged to and fro like the waves of the Icarian Sea, when the east and south winds break from heaven’s clouds to lash them; or as when the west wind sweeps over a field of corn and the ears bow beneath the blast, even so were they swayed as they flew with loud cries towards the ships, and the dust from under their feet rose heavenward. They cheered each other on to draw the ships into the sea; they cleared the channels in front of them; they began taking away the stays from underneath them, and the welkin rang with their glad cries, so eager were they to return.

His words stirred the hearts of those in the crowd who did not know Agamemnon’s cunning plan. They surged back and forth like waves on the Icarian Sea when east and south winds burst from the clouds. Those winds lash the waves. Or they were like a field of grain whose heads bend beneath the west wind. Just so, the men swayed as they rushed toward the ships with loud cries. Dust rose toward the sky beneath their feet. They urged one another to drag the ships into the sea. They cleared the channels in front of the ships and began removing the supports beneath the hulls. The sky rang with their joyful cries, so eager were they to return home.

Then surely the Argives would have returned after a fashion that was not fated. But Juno said to Minerva, “Alas, daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, unweariable, shall the Argives fly home to their own land over the broad sea, and leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea.”

Then the Argives would surely have returned home, though fate had not meant them to. But Juno said to Minerva, “Oh, tireless daughter of Jove, who carries the aegis, will the Argives flee home across the broad sea? Will they leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of keeping Helen? So many Achaeans have died for her sake at Troy, far from home. Go among the troops at once. Speak gently to each man so that the men do not drag their ships into the sea.”

Minerva was not slack to do her bidding. Down she darted from the topmost summits of Olympus, and in a moment she was at the ships of the Achaeans. There she found Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, standing alone. He had not as yet laid a hand upon his ship, for he was grieved and sorry; so she went close up to him and said, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you going to fling yourselves into your ships and be off home to your own land in this way? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea.”

Minerva wasted no time carrying out her orders. She darted down from the highest peaks of Olympus and reached the ships of the Achaeans in a moment. There she found Ulysses standing alone, equal to Jove in wisdom. He had not yet touched his ship because he was filled with grief and sorrow. So she went up to him and said, “Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, will you all rush aboard your ships and sail home like this? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of keeping Helen? So many Achaeans have died for her sake at Troy, far from home. Go among the troops at once and speak gently to each man, so they do not launch their ships.”

Ulysses knew the voice as that of the goddess: he flung his cloak from him and set off to run. His servant Eurybates, a man of Ithaca, who waited on him, took charge of the cloak, whereon Ulysses went straight up to Agamemnon and received from him his ancestral, imperishable staff. With this he went about among the ships of the Achaeans.

Ulysses recognized the goddess’s voice. He threw off his cloak and began to run. His servant Eurybates, a man from Ithaca, took charge of the cloak. Ulysses then went straight to Agamemnon and received the imperishable staff passed down through Agamemnon’s family. Carrying the staff, Ulysses made his way among the ships of the Achaeans.

Whenever he met a king or chieftain, he stood by him and spoke him fairly. “Sir,” said he, “this flight is cowardly and unworthy. Stand to your post, and bid your people also keep their places. You do not yet know the full mind of Agamemnon; he was sounding us, and ere long will visit the Achaeans with his displeasure. We were not all of us at the council to hear what he then said; see to it lest he be angry and do us a mischief; for the pride of kings is great, and the hand of Jove is with them.”

Whenever he met a king or chieftain, he stood beside him and spoke respectfully. “Sir,” he said, “running away like this is cowardly and unworthy. Stay at your post, and order your people to stay in place too. You do not yet know everything Agamemnon intends. He was testing us, and soon he will turn his anger on the Achaeans. Not all of us were at the council to hear what he said then. Take care not to anger him and bring harm upon us. For kings have great pride, and Jove’s power supports them.”

But when he came across any common man who was making a noise, he struck him with his staff and rebuked him, saying, “Sirrah, hold your peace, and listen to better men than yourself. You are a coward and no soldier; you are nobody either in fight or council; we cannot all be kings; it is not well that there should be many masters; one man must be supreme—one king to whom the son of scheming Saturn has given the sceptre of sovereignty over you all.”

But whenever he came across a common man making a noise, he struck him with his staff and scolded him. He said, “You there, be quiet and listen to better men than yourself. You are a coward, not a soldier. You count for nothing in battle or in council. We cannot all be kings. Having many masters is no good. One man must rule supreme, one king given the sceptre of authority over you all by the son of scheming Saturn.”

Thus masterfully did he go about among the host, and the people hurried back to the council from their tents and ships with a sound as the thunder of surf when it comes crashing down upon the shore, and all the sea is in an uproar.

With such authority, he moved among the troops. The men hurried back to the council from their tents and ships. Their noise was like the thunder of waves crashing onto the shore, with the whole sea in an uproar.

The rest now took their seats and kept to their own several places, but Thersites still went on wagging his unbridled tongue—a man of many words, and those unseemly; a monger of sedition, a railer against all who were in authority, who cared not what he said, so that he might set the Achaeans in a laugh. He was the ugliest man of all those that came before Troy—bandy-legged, lame of one foot, with his two shoulders rounded and hunched over his chest. His head ran up to a point, but there was little hair on the top of it. Achilles and Ulysses hated him worst of all, for it was with them that he was most wont to wrangle; now, however, with a shrill squeaky voice he began heaping his abuse on Agamemnon. The Achaeans were angry and disgusted, yet none the less he kept on brawling and bawling at the son of Atreus.

The others now sat down in their own places, but Thersites still let his tongue run wild. He talked endlessly, and his words were offensive. He stirred up rebellion and insulted everyone in authority. He did not care what he said, as long as he could make the Achaeans laugh. He was the ugliest man of all who came to Troy. He was bowlegged and lame in one foot, with both shoulders rounded and hunched over his chest. His head rose to a point, with little hair on top. Achilles and Ulysses hated him most of all, because he quarreled with them most often. Now, however, he began pouring abuse on Agamemnon in a shrill, squeaky voice. The Achaeans were angry and disgusted, but he still kept shouting insults at the son of Atreus.

“Agamemnon,” he cried, “what ails you now, and what more do you want? Your tents are filled with bronze and with fair women, for whenever we take a town we give you the pick of them. Would you have yet more gold, which some Trojan is to give you as a ransom for his son, when I or another Achaean has taken him prisoner? or is it some young girl to hide and lie with? It is not well that you, the ruler of the Achaeans, should bring them into such misery. Weakling cowards, women rather than men, let us sail home, and leave this fellow here at Troy to stew in his own meeds of honour, and discover whether we were of any service to him or no. Achilles is a much better man than he is, and see how he has treated him—robbing him of his prize and keeping it himself. Achilles takes it meekly and shows no fight; if he did, son of Atreus, you would never again insult him.”

“Agamemnon,” he cried, “what’s wrong with you now? What more do you want? Your tents are full of bronze and beautiful women. Whenever we capture a town, we give you the best of them. Do you want still more gold from some Trojan as ransom for his son? A son whom I or another Achaean has taken prisoner? Or do you want some young girl to keep hidden and sleep with? You rule the Achaeans, and you should not bring them such misery. You weak cowards, women rather than men, let us sail home. Let us leave this fellow here at Troy to wallow in his rewards and honors. Then he can discover whether we were any use to him or not. Achilles is a much better man than he is, and look how Agamemnon has treated him. He has stolen Achilles’ prize and kept it for himself. Achilles accepts this meekly and puts up no fight. If he did fight back, son of Atreus, you would never insult him again.”

Thus railed Thersites, but Ulysses at once went up to him and rebuked him sternly. “Check your glib tongue, Thersites,” said he, “and babble not a word further. Chide not with princes when you have none to back you. There is no viler creature come before Troy with the sons of Atreus. Drop this chatter about kings, and neither revile them nor keep harping about going home. We do not yet know how things are going to be, nor whether the Achaeans are to return with good success or evil. How dare you gibe at Agamemnon because the Danaans have awarded him so many prizes? I tell you, therefore—and it shall surely be—that if I again catch you talking such nonsense, I will either forfeit my own head and be no more called father of Telemachus, or I will take you, strip you stark naked, and whip you out of the assembly till you go blubbering back to the ships.”

Thersites hurled these insults, but Ulysses immediately went up to him and sternly rebuked him. “Hold your tongue, Thersites,” he said, “and stop your babbling. Do not argue with princes when no one supports you. No one who came to Troy with the sons of Atreus is more worthless than you. Stop this chatter about kings. Do not insult them or keep going on about returning home. We do not yet know how things will turn out, or whether the Achaeans will return victorious or defeated. How dare you mock Agamemnon because the Danaans have awarded him so many prizes? So I tell you now, and I will keep my word. If I catch you talking such nonsense again, I will seize you, strip you naked, and whip you from the assembly. You will go back to the ships sobbing. If I fail to do so, may I lose my head and no longer be called the father of Telemachus.”

On this he beat him with his staff about the back and shoulders till he dropped and fell a-weeping. The golden sceptre raised a bloody weal on his back, so he sat down frightened and in pain, looking foolish as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The people were sorry for him, yet they laughed heartily, and one would turn to his neighbour saying, “Ulysses has done many a good thing ere now in fight and council, but he never did the Argives a better turn than when he stopped this fellow’s mouth from prating further. He will give the kings no more of his insolence.”

Then he beat him across the back and shoulders with his staff until the man fell down crying. The golden sceptre left a bloody welt on his back, so he sat down, frightened and in pain. He looked foolish as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The people felt sorry for him, yet they laughed heartily. One would turn to his neighbour and say, “Ulysses has done many good things before, in battle and in council. But he never did the Argives a greater service than when he stopped this fellow from babbling on. This fellow will no longer insult the kings.”

Thus said the people. Then Ulysses rose, sceptre in hand, and Minerva in the likeness of a herald bade the people be still, that those who were far off might hear him and consider his council. He therefore with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus:—

So the people spoke. Then Ulysses stood, holding his sceptre. Minerva, disguised as a herald, told the people to be quiet. She did so that even those far away could hear Ulysses and consider his advice. He therefore spoke to them with complete sincerity and goodwill:

“King Agamemnon, the Achaeans are for making you a by-word among all mankind. They forget the promise they made you when they set out from Argos, that you should not return till you had sacked the town of Troy, and, like children or widowed women, they murmur and would set off homeward. True it is that they have had toil enough to be disheartened. A man chafes at having to stay away from his wife even for a single month, when he is on shipboard, at the mercy of wind and sea, but it is now nine long years that we have been kept here; I cannot, therefore, blame the Achaeans if they turn restive; still we shall be shamed if we go home empty after so long a stay—therefore, my friends, be patient yet a little longer that we may learn whether the prophesyings of Calchas were false or true.

“King Agamemnon, the Achaeans are about to make you a laughingstock among all mankind. They have forgotten the promise they made you when they set out from Argos. They promised you would not return until you had sacked Troy. Now, like children or widowed women, they complain and want to head home. It is true that they have suffered enough hardship to lose heart. A man grows frustrated when he must spend even a single month away from his wife aboard a ship. He is at the mercy of the wind and sea. But we have now been kept here for nine long years. So I cannot blame the Achaeans if they grow restless. Still, we will be disgraced if we return home empty-handed after so long. So, my friends, be patient a little longer. Then we can learn whether the prophecies of Calchas were false or true.

“All who have not since perished must remember as though it were yesterday or the day before, how the ships of the Achaeans were detained in Aulis when we were on our way hither to make war on Priam and the Trojans. We were ranged round about a fountain offering hecatombs to the gods upon their holy altars, and there was a fine plane-tree from beneath which there welled a stream of pure water. Then we saw a prodigy; for Jove sent a fearful serpent out of the ground, with blood-red stains upon its back, and it darted from under the altar on to the plane-tree. Now there was a brood of young sparrows, quite small, upon the topmost bough, peeping out from under the leaves, eight in all, and their mother that hatched them made nine. The serpent ate the poor cheeping things, while the old bird flew about lamenting her little ones; but the serpent threw his coils about her and caught her by the wing as she was screaming. Then, when he had eaten both the sparrow and her young, the god who had sent him made him become a sign; for the son of scheming Saturn turned him into stone, and we stood there wondering at that which had come to pass. Seeing, then, that such a fearful portent had broken in upon our hecatombs, Calchas forthwith declared to us the oracles of heaven. ‘Why, Achaeans,’ said he, ‘are you thus speechless? Jove has sent us this sign, long in coming, and long ere it be fulfilled, though its fame shall last for ever. As the serpent ate the eight fledglings and the sparrow that hatched them, which makes nine, so shall we fight nine years at Troy, but in the tenth shall take the town.’ This was what he said, and now it is all coming true. Stay here, therefore, all of you, till we take the city of Priam.”

“All who have survived must remember as though it were yesterday or the day before. The Achaeans’ ships were held at Aulis as we traveled here to fight Priam and the Trojans. We gathered around a spring, offering sacrifices of a hundred cattle to the gods on their holy altars. A fine plane-tree stood there, with a stream of pure water flowing from beneath it. Then we saw a wonder. Jove sent a terrifying serpent out of the ground, with blood-red marks on its back. The serpent darted from beneath the altar into the plane-tree. On the highest branch, eight tiny young sparrows peeped out from beneath the leaves. Their mother, who had hatched them, made nine. The serpent ate the poor chirping birds while their mother flew around, crying for her little ones. But the serpent coiled around her and caught her by the wing as she screamed. Then, after the serpent had eaten both the mother and her young, the god who sent him made him a sign. The son of scheming Saturn turned the serpent to stone, and we stood there in wonder at what had happened. “Since this terrifying omen had interrupted our sacrifices, Calchas immediately told us what the gods foretold. ‘Why, Achaeans,’ he said, ‘are you so speechless? Jove has sent us this sign, long awaited and still far from fulfillment, though its fame will last forever. Just as the serpent ate the eight young birds and their mother, making nine, we will fight nine years at Troy. But in the tenth year we will take the city.’ Those were his words, and now his prediction is all coming true. So stay here, all of you, until we take the city of Priam.”

On this the Argives raised a shout, till the ships rang again with the uproar. Nestor, knight of Gerene, then addressed them. “Shame on you,” he cried, “to stay talking here like children, when you should fight like men. Where are our covenants now, and where the oaths that we have taken? Shall our counsels be flung into the fire, with our drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship wherein we have put our trust? We waste our time in words, and for all our talking here shall be no further forward. Stand, therefore, son of Atreus, by your own steadfast purpose; lead the Argives on to battle, and leave this handful of men to rot, who scheme, and scheme in vain, to get back to Argos ere they have learned whether Jove be true or a liar. For the mighty son of Saturn surely promised that we should succeed, when we Argives set sail to bring death and destruction upon the Trojans. He showed us favourable signs by flashing his lightning on our right hands; therefore let none make haste to go till he has first lain with the wife of some Trojan, and avenged the toil and sorrow that he has suffered for the sake of Helen. Nevertheless, if any man is in such haste to be at home again, let him lay his hand to his ship that he may meet his doom in the sight of all. But, O king, consider and give ear to my counsel, for the word that I say may not be neglected lightly. Divide your men, Agamemnon, into their several tribes and clans, that clans and tribes may stand by and help one another. If you do this, and if the Achaeans obey you, you will find out who, both chiefs and peoples, are brave, and who are cowards; for they will vie against the other. Thus you shall also learn whether it is through the counsel of heaven or the cowardice of man that you shall fail to take the town.”

At this, the Argives shouted so loudly that the ships echoed with the uproar. Nestor, knight of Gerene, then spoke to them. “Shame on you,” he cried, “for standing here talking like children when you should be fighting like men. Where are our agreements now? What has become of the oaths we swore? Are we to throw our plans into the fire, along with our drink-offerings and the handshakes of friendship we trusted? We waste our time with words, and all our talking will bring us no closer to our goal. So, son of Atreus, hold firmly to your purpose. Lead the Argives into battle, and leave this handful of men to rot. They scheme endlessly, but in vain, to return to Argos before learning whether Jove speaks the truth or lies. For the mighty son of Saturn surely promised us success when we Argives sailed to destroy and kill the Trojans. He gave us favorable signs by flashing his lightning on our right. So let no man hurry home before he has slept with the wife of some Trojan. Let him first avenge the hardship and sorrow he has suffered for Helen’s sake. Still, if any man is so eager to get home, let him lay a hand on his ship. Then he can meet his doom in full view of everyone. “But, king, think carefully and listen to my advice. What I have to say must not be dismissed lightly. Agamemnon, divide your men into their tribes and clans, so that tribes and clans can support one another. If you do this, and if the Achaeans obey you, you will discover who is brave and who is cowardly. You will see this among both the leaders and their men, for they will compete with one another. Then, if you fail to take the city, you will also learn why. You will know whether the gods’ will or men’s cowardice caused your failure.”

And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, you have again outdone the sons of the Achaeans in counsel. Would, by Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I had among them ten more such councillors, for the city of King Priam would then soon fall beneath our hands, and we should sack it. But the son of Saturn afflicts me with bootless wranglings and strife. Achilles and I are quarrelling about this girl, in which matter I was the first to offend; if we can be of one mind again, the Trojans will not stave off destruction for a day. Now, therefore, get your morning meal, that our hosts join in fight. Whet well your spears; see well to the ordering of your shields; give good feeds to your horses, and look your chariots carefully over, that we may do battle the livelong day; for we shall have no rest, not for a moment, till night falls to part us. The bands that bear your shields shall be wet with the sweat upon your shoulders, your hands shall weary upon your spears, your horses shall steam in front of your chariots, and if I see any man shirking the fight, or trying to keep out of it at the ships, there shall be no help for him, but he shall be a prey to dogs and vultures.”

And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, you have once again given better advice than any of the other Achaeans. By Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, I wish I had ten more advisers like you among them. Then King Priam’s city would soon fall to us, and we would sack it. But the son of Saturn plagues me with pointless arguments and conflict. Achilles and I are quarreling over this girl, and I was the first to do wrong. If we can agree again, the Trojans will not hold off destruction for even a day. “So eat your morning meal now, so that our armies can join the battle. Sharpen your spears well. Make sure your shields are ready. Feed your horses well, and check your chariots carefully, so that we can fight all day long. We will have no rest, not even for a moment, until night falls and separates us. Your shield straps will be soaked with sweat from your shoulders. Your hands will grow tired from holding your spears. Your horses will steam in front of your chariots. If I see anyone avoiding the battle or trying to stay out of it by the ships, no one will save him. Dogs and vultures will feed on him.”

Thus he spoke, and the Achaeans roared applause. As when the waves run high before the blast of the south wind and break on some lofty headland, dashing against it and buffeting it without ceasing, as the storms from every quarter drive them, even so did the Achaeans rise and hurry in all directions to their ships. There they lighted their fires at their tents and got dinner, offering sacrifice every man to one or other of the gods, and praying each one of them that he might live to come out of the fight. Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed a fat five-year-old bull to the mighty son of Saturn, and invited the princes and elders of his host. First he asked Nestor and King Idomeneus, then the two Ajaxes and the son of Tydeus, and sixthly Ulysses, peer of gods in counsel; but Menelaus came of his own accord, for he knew how busy his brother then was. They stood round the bull with the barley-meal in their hands, and Agamemnon prayed, saying, “Jove, most glorious, supreme, that dwellest in heaven, and ridest upon the storm-cloud, grant that the sun may not go down, nor the night fall, till the palace of Priam is laid low, and its gates are consumed with fire. Grant that my sword may pierce the shirt of Hector about his heart, and that full many of his comrades may bite the dust as they fall dying round him.”

So he spoke, and the Achaeans roared their approval. Like waves rising before the south wind, they surged toward their ships. Such waves crash against a high headland, pounding it endlessly as storms from every direction drive them on. Just so, the Achaeans rose and hurried in all directions to their ships. There they lit fires beside their tents and prepared dinner. Each man offered a sacrifice to one of the gods and prayed to survive the battle. Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed a fat, five-year-old bull to the mighty son of Saturn. He invited the princes and elders of his army. First he invited Nestor and King Idomeneus, then the two Ajaxes and the son of Tydeus. Sixth came Ulysses, whose wisdom in council equaled that of the gods. But Menelaus came without an invitation, because he knew how busy his brother was. They stood around the bull with barley meal in their hands, and Agamemnon prayed, saying, “Jove, most glorious and supreme, you live in heaven and ride upon the storm cloud. Grant that the sun may not set or night fall until Priam’s palace lies in ruins, its gates burned down. Grant that my sword may pierce Hector’s armor over his heart. And grant that a great many of his comrades may fall dying around him.”

Thus he prayed, but the son of Saturn would not fulfil his prayer. He accepted the sacrifice, yet none the less increased their toil continually. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal upon the victim, they drew back its head, killed it, and then flayed it. They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and set pieces of raw meat on the top of them. These they burned upon the split logs of firewood, but they spitted the inward meats, and held them in the flames to cook. When the thigh-bones were burned, and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon spits, roasted them till they were done, and drew them off; then, when they had finished their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Nestor, knight of Gerene, began to speak. “King Agamemnon,” said he, “let us not stay talking here, nor be slack in the work that heaven has put into our hands. Let the heralds summon the people to gather at their several ships; we will then go about among the host, that we may begin fighting at once.”

So he prayed, but the son of Saturn would not grant his prayer. He accepted the sacrifice, but still kept increasing their hardships. When the men had finished praying and sprinkling barley meal over the sacrificial animal, they pulled its head back. They killed it and skinned it. They cut out the thigh bones and wrapped them in two layers of fat. Then they placed pieces of raw meat on top. They burned these offerings on split logs, but put the internal organs on spits and held them over the flames. When the thigh bones had burned and the men had tasted the organs, they cut the remaining meat into small pieces. They put the pieces on spits, roasted them until cooked, and took them off. When the work was finished and the feast was ready, they ate. Every man received his full share, so that all were satisfied. Once they had eaten and drunk enough, Nestor, knight of Gerene, began to speak. “King Agamemnon,” he said, “let us not linger here talking or neglect the work heaven has given us. Let the heralds call the men together at their own ships. We will then go among the troops so that we may begin fighting at once.”

Thus did he speak, and Agamemnon heeded his words. He at once sent the criers round to call the people in assembly. So they called them, and the people gathered thereon. The chiefs about the son of Atreus chose their men and marshalled them, while Minerva went among them holding her priceless aegis that knows neither age nor death. From it there waved a hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven, and each one of them worth a hundred oxen. With this she darted furiously everywhere among the hosts of the Achaeans, urging them forward, and putting courage into the heart of each, so that he might fight and do battle without ceasing. Thus war became sweeter in their eyes even than returning home in their ships. As when some great forest fire is raging upon a mountain top and its light is seen afar, even so as they marched the gleam of their armour flashed up into the firmament of heaven.

So he spoke, and Agamemnon listened to his advice. He immediately sent heralds around to call the people to an assembly. The heralds called, and the people gathered. The chiefs around the son of Atreus chose their men and organized them into ranks. Meanwhile, Minerva moved among them, holding her priceless aegis, which never ages or dies. A hundred tassels of pure gold hung waving from it, all skillfully woven. Each tassel was worth a hundred oxen. Carrying the aegis, she rushed fiercely through the Achaean army, urging the men forward. She filled each man’s heart with courage so that he might fight without stopping. So war became sweeter to them even than returning home in their ships. Just as a great forest fire blazes on a mountaintop, its light visible far away, so the soldiers’ armor shone. As they marched, its gleam flashed up into the heavens.

They were like great flocks of geese, or cranes, or swans on the plain about the waters of Cayster, that wing their way hither and thither, glorying in the pride of flight, and crying as they settle till the fen is alive with their screaming. Even thus did their tribes pour from ships and tents on to the plain of the Scamander, and the ground rang as brass under the feet of men and horses. They stood as thick upon the flower-bespangled field as leaves that bloom in summer.

They were like great flocks of geese, cranes, or swans on the plain around the waters of Cayster. The birds fly back and forth, delighting in their proud flight. They cry out as they land, until the marsh is alive with their screams. Just so, the troops poured from their ships and tents onto the plain of the Scamander. The ground rang like brass beneath the feet of men and horses. They stood as thick on the flower-covered field as leaves growing in summer.

As countless swarms of flies buzz around a herdsman’s homestead in the time of spring when the pails are drenched with milk, even so did the Achaeans swarm on to the plain to charge the Trojans and destroy them.

Countless swarms of flies buzz around a herdsman’s home in spring, when the buckets are drenched with milk. In the same way, the Achaeans swarmed onto the plain to charge the Trojans and destroy them.

The chiefs disposed their men this way and that before the fight began, drafting them out as easily as goatherds draft their flocks when they have got mixed while feeding; and among them went King Agamemnon, with a head and face like Jove the lord of thunder, a waist like Mars, and a chest like that of Neptune. As some great bull that lords it over the herds upon the plain, even so did Jove make the son of Atreus stand peerless among the multitude of heroes.

The chiefs arranged their men before the battle began. They separated the men as easily as goatherds sort their flocks after the goats have mixed together while feeding. King Agamemnon moved among them, his head and face like those of Jove, the lord of thunder. His waist was like that of Mars, and his chest like that of Neptune. Just as a great bull dominates the herds on the plain, so Jove made the son of Atreus stand out. Among the mass of heroes, he had no equal.

And now, O Muses, dwellers in the mansions of Olympus, tell me—for you are goddesses and are in all places so that you see all things, while we know nothing but by report—who were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans? As for the common soldiers, they were so that I could not name every single one of them though I had ten tongues, and though my voice failed not and my heart were of bronze within me, unless you, O Olympian Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, were to recount them to me. Nevertheless, I will tell the captains of the ships and all the fleet together.

Now, Muses who live in the halls of Olympus, tell me who were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans. For you are goddesses, present everywhere, so you see all things, while we know only what we hear. The common soldiers were so many that I could not name every one, even if I had ten tongues. Even if my voice never failed and my heart were bronze, I could not name them all without your help. You, Olympian Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, would have to recount them to me. Nevertheless, I will name the captains of the ships and list the whole fleet.

Peneleos, Leitus, Arcesilaus, Prothoenor, and Clonius were captains of the Boeotians. These were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis, and who held Schoenus, Scolus, and the highlands of Eteonus, with Thespeia, Graia, and the fair city of Mycalessus. They also held Harma, Eilesium, and Erythrae; and they had Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon; Ocalea and the strong fortress of Medeon; Copae, Eutresis, and Thisbe the haunt of doves; Coronea, and the pastures of Haliartus; Plataea and Glisas; the fortress of Thebes the less; holy Onchestus with its famous grove of Neptune; Arne rich in vineyards; Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon upon the sea. From these there came fifty ships, and in each there were a hundred and twenty young men of the Boeotians.

Peneleos, Leitus, Arcesilaus, Prothoenor, and Clonius commanded the Boeotians. The Boeotians lived in Hyria and rocky Aulis. They held Schoenus, Scolus, and the highlands of Eteonus, along with Thespeia, Graia, and the beautiful city of Mycalessus. They also held Harma, Eilesium, and Erythrae. They controlled Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon, along with Ocalea and the strong fortress of Medeon. Their lands included Copae, Eutresis, and Thisbe, where doves gathered. They also held Coronea and the pastures of Haliartus, Plataea and Glisas, and the fortress of Thebes the less. They held holy Onchestus with its famous grove of Neptune, and Arne, rich in vineyards. They also held Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon by the sea. From these places came fifty ships, each carrying a hundred and twenty young Boeotian men.

Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Mars, led the people that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenus the realm of Minyas. Astyoche a noble maiden bore them in the house of Actor son of Azeus; for she had gone with Mars secretly into an upper chamber, and he had lain with her. With these there came thirty ships.

Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Mars, led the people of Aspledon and Orchomenus, the realm of Minyas. Their mother, a noble young woman named Astyoche, gave birth to them in the house of Actor, son of Azeus. For Astyoche had secretly gone with Mars into an upstairs room, and he had slept with her. Thirty ships came with Ascalaphus and Ialmenus.

The Phoceans were led by Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of mighty Iphitus the son of Naubolus. These were they that held Cyparissus, rocky Pytho, holy Crisa, Daulis, and Panopeus; they also that dwelt in Anemorea and Hyampolis, and about the waters of the river Cephissus, and Lilaea by the springs of the Cephissus; with their chieftains came forty ships, and they marshalled the forces of the Phoceans, which were stationed next to the Boeotians, on their left.

The Phoceans were led by Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of mighty Iphitus, who was the son of Naubolus. The Phoceans held Cyparissus, rocky Pytho, holy Crisa, Daulis, and Panopeus. They also lived in Anemorea and Hyampolis, along the river Cephissus, and in Lilaea by the springs of the Cephissus. Forty ships came with their leaders. Schedius and Epistrophus organized the Phocean forces, who were stationed beside the Boeotians, on the Boeotians’ left.

Ajax, the fleet son of Oileus, commanded the Locrians. He was not so great, nor nearly so great, as Ajax the son of Telamon. He was a little man, and his breastplate was made of linen, but in use of the spear he excelled all the Hellenes and the Achaeans. These dwelt in Cynus, Opous, Calliarus, Bessa, Scarphe, fair Augeae, Tarphe, and Thronium about the river Boagrius. With him there came forty ships of the Locrians who dwell beyond Euboea.

Ajax, the swift son of Oileus, commanded the Locrians. He was not nearly as great as Ajax, the son of Telamon. He was a small man, and his breastplate was made of linen. But he surpassed all the Hellenes and the Achaeans in skill with the spear. The Locrians lived in Cynus, Opous, Calliarus, Bessa, Scarphe, beautiful Augeae, Tarphe, and Thronium near the river Boagrius. Forty ships came with him, carrying the Locrians who lived beyond Euboea.

The fierce Abantes held Euboea with its cities, Chalcis, Eretria, Histiaea rich in vines, Cerinthus upon the sea, and the rock-perched town of Dium; with them were also the men of Carystus and Styra; Elephenor of the race of Mars was in command of these; he was son of Chalcodon, and chief over all the Abantes. With him they came, fleet of foot and wearing their hair long behind, brave warriors, who would ever strive to tear open the corslets of their foes with their long ashen spears. Of these there came fifty ships.

The fierce Abantes held Euboea and its cities: Chalcis, Eretria, Histiaea with its rich vineyards, Cerinthus by the sea, and Dium perched on a rocky height. The men of Carystus and Styra were with them too. Elephenor, a descendant of Mars, commanded these men. He was the son of Chalcodon and chief of all the Abantes. His warriors came with him, swift on their feet and wearing their hair long in the back. They were brave fighters who always tried to pierce their enemies’ breastplates with their long spears of ash wood. They came in fifty ships.

And they that held the strong city of Athens, the people of great Erechtheus, who was born of the soil itself, but Jove’s daughter, Minerva, fostered him, and established him at Athens in her own rich sanctuary. There, year by year, the Athenian youths worship him with sacrifices of bulls and rams. These were commanded by Menestheus, son of Peteos. No man living could equal him in the marshalling of chariots and foot soldiers. Nestor could alone rival him, for he was older. With him there came fifty ships.

Then came those who held the strong city of Athens, the people of great Erechtheus. He was born from the soil itself, but Minerva, Jove’s daughter, raised him. She gave him a home in her own rich sanctuary in Athens. There, year after year, the young men of Athens worship him with sacrifices of bulls and rams. Menestheus, son of Peteos, commanded these people. No living man could equal him at organizing chariots and foot soldiers for battle. Nestor alone could rival him, for Nestor was older. Fifty ships came with Menestheus.

Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis, and stationed them alongside those of the Athenians.

Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis. He placed the ships next to the Athenian ships.

The men of Argos, again, and those who held the walls of Tiryns, with Hermione, and Asine upon the gulf; Troezene, Eionae, and the vineyard lands of Epidaurus; the Achaean youths, moreover, who came from Aegina and Mases; these were led by Diomed of the loud battle-cry, and Sthenelus son of famed Capaneus. With them in command was Euryalus, son of king Mecisteus, son of Talaus; but Diomed was chief over them all. With these there came eighty ships.

Next came the men of Argos and those who held the walls of Tiryns, along with men from Hermione. Others came from Asine on the gulf, Troezene, Eionae, and the vineyard lands of Epidaurus. The young Achaeans from Aegina and Mases came too. Their leaders were Diomed, known for his loud battle cry, and Sthenelus, son of the famous Capaneus. Euryalus shared command with them. He was the son of king Mecisteus, who was the son of Talaus. But Diomed was chief over them all. These men came with eighty ships.

Those who held the strong city of Mycenae, rich Corinth and Cleonae; Orneae, Araethyrea, and Licyon, where Adrastus reigned of old; Hyperesia, high Gonoessa, and Pellene; Aegium and all the coast-land round about Helice; these sent a hundred ships under the command of King Agamemnon, son of Atreus. His force was far both finest and most numerous, and in their midst was the king himself, all glorious in his armour of gleaming bronze—foremost among the heroes, for he was the greatest king, and had most men under him.

The men came from the strong city of Mycenae, rich Corinth, and Cleonae. Others came from Orneae, Araethyrea, and Licyon, where Adrastus once ruled. More came from Hyperesia, high Gonoessa, Pellene, Aegium, and all the coastal land around Helice. Together, these men sent a hundred ships under the command of King Agamemnon, son of Atreus. His force was by far the finest and largest. Among his men stood the king himself, magnificent in his gleaming bronze armour. He stood foremost among the heroes, for he was the greatest king and commanded the most men.

And those that dwelt in Lacedaemon, lying low among the hills, Pharis, Sparta, with Messe the haunt of doves; Bryseae, Augeae, Amyclae, and Helos upon the sea; Laas, moreover, and Oetylus; these were led by Menelaus of the loud battle-cry, brother to Agamemnon, and of them there were sixty ships, drawn up apart from the others. Among them went Menelaus himself, strong in zeal, urging his men to fight; for he longed to avenge the toil and sorrow that he had suffered for the sake of Helen.

And there were men from Lacedaemon, low among the hills, from Pharis and Sparta, and from Messe, where doves gather. Others came from Bryseae, Augeae, Amyclae, Helos by the sea, Laas, and Oetylus. Menelaus, known for his loud battle cry and brother of Agamemnon, led these men. Their sixty ships were lined up apart from the others. Menelaus himself moved among his men, full of determination, urging them to fight. For he longed to avenge the hardship and sorrow he had suffered for Helen’s sake.

The men of Pylos and Arene, and Thryum where is the ford of the river Alpheus; strong Aipy, Cyparisseis, and Amphigenea; Pteleum, Helos, and Dorium, where the Muses met Thamyris, and stilled his minstrelsy for ever. He was returning from Oechalia, where Eurytus lived and reigned, and boasted that he would surpass even the Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, if they should sing against him; whereon they were angry, and maimed him. They robbed him of his divine power of song, and thenceforth he could strike the lyre no more. These were commanded by Nestor, knight of Gerene, and with him there came ninety ships.

The men came from Pylos and Arene, and from Thryum, where the river Alpheus can be crossed on foot. They also came from fortified Aipy, Cyparisseis, Amphigenea, Pteleum, Helos, and Dorium. At Dorium, the Muses met Thamyris and silenced his singing forever. He was returning from Oechalia, where Eurytus lived and ruled. Thamyris boasted that he would surpass even the Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, if they competed against him in song. His boast angered the Muses, and they maimed him. They took away his divine gift of song, and from then on he could no longer play the lyre. Nestor, knight of Gerene, commanded these men, and ninety ships came with him.

And those that held Arcadia, under the high mountain of Cyllene, near the tomb of Aepytus, where the people fight hand to hand; the men of Pheneus also, and Orchomenus rich in flocks; of Rhipae, Stratie, and bleak Enispe; of Tegea and fair Mantinea; of Stymphelus and Parrhasia; of these King Agapenor son of Ancaeus was commander, and they had sixty ships. Many Arcadians, good soldiers, came in each one of them, but Agamemnon found them the ships in which to cross the sea, for they were not a people that occupied their business upon the waters.

The men of Arcadia lived below the high mountain of Cyllene, near the tomb of Aepytus. The people there fight hand to hand. Others came from Pheneus and Orchomenus, rich in flocks, and from Rhipae, Stratie, and bleak Enispe. Still others came from Tegea and fair Mantinea, Stymphelus and Parrhasia. King Agapenor, son of Ancaeus, commanded these men, who had sixty ships. Each ship carried many Arcadians, all good soldiers. But Agamemnon supplied the ships for the Arcadians to cross the sea, because they were not a seafaring people.

The men, moreover, of Buprasium and of Elis, so much of it as is enclosed between Hyrmine, Myrsinus upon the sea-shore, the rock Olene and Alesium. These had four leaders, and each of them had ten ships, with many Epeans on board. Their captains were Amphimachus and Thalpius—the one, son of Cteatus, and the other, of Eurytus—both of the race of Actor. The two others were Diores, son of Amarynceus, and Polyxenus, son of King Agasthenes, son of Augeas.

There were also men from Buprasium and the part of Elis between Hyrmine, Myrsinus on the coast, the rock Olene, and Alesium. These men had four leaders, each commanding ten ships with many Epeans aboard. Their captains were Amphimachus, son of Cteatus, and Thalpius, son of Eurytus. Both were descendants of Actor. The other two captains were Diores, son of Amarynceus, and Polyxenus, son of King Agasthenes, who was Augeas’s son.

And those of Dulichium with the sacred Echinean islands, who dwelt beyond the sea off Elis; these were led by Meges, peer of Mars, and the son of valiant Phyleus, dear to Jove, who quarrelled with his father, and went to settle in Dulichium. With him there came forty ships.

And there were men from Dulichium and the sacred Echinean islands, who lived across the sea off Elis. Their leader was Meges, equal to Mars and son of the brave Phyleus, who was dear to Jove. Phyleus had quarreled with his father and gone to settle in Dulichium. Meges brought forty ships with him.

Ulysses led the brave Cephallenians, who held Ithaca, Neritum with its forests, Crocylea, rugged Aegilips, Samos and Zacynthus, with the mainland also that was over against the islands. These were led by Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, and with him there came twelve ships.

Ulysses led the brave Cephallenians, who held Ithaca, forested Neritum, Crocylea, rugged Aegilips, Samos and Zacynthus. They also held the mainland opposite the islands. Ulysses, whose wisdom in council equaled Jove’s, led these men, and twelve ships came with him.

Thoas, son of Andraemon, commanded the Aetolians, who dwelt in Pleuron, Olenus, Pylene, Chalcis by the sea, and rocky Calydon, for the great king Oeneus had now no sons living, and was himself dead, as was also golden-haired Meleager, who had been set over the Aetolians to be their king. And with Thoas there came forty ships.

Thoas, son of Andraemon, commanded the Aetolians. They lived in Pleuron, Olenus, Pylene, Chalcis by the sea, and rocky Calydon. Thoas commanded them because the great king Oeneus had no sons left alive and was himself dead. Golden-haired Meleager, who had been appointed king of the Aetolians, was also dead. Forty ships came with Thoas.

The famous spearsman Idomeneus led the Cretans, who held Cnossus, and the well-walled city of Gortys; Lyctus also, Miletus and Lycastus that lies upon the chalk; the populous towns of Phaestus and Rhytium, with the other peoples that dwelt in the hundred cities of Crete. All these were led by Idomeneus, and by Meriones, peer of murderous Mars. And with these there came eighty ships.

The famous spearman Idomeneus led the Cretans, who lived in Cnossus and the well-walled city of Gortys. They also lived in Lyctus, Miletus, and Lycastus, which stands on chalk ground. They came from the populous towns of Phaestus and Rhytium, and from the other communities across Crete’s hundred cities. Idomeneus and Meriones, an equal of murderous Mars, led all these people. They brought eighty ships.

Tlepolemus, son of Hercules, a man both brave and large of stature, brought nine ships of lordly warriors from Rhodes. These dwelt in Rhodes which is divided among the three cities of Lindus, Ielysus, and Cameirus, that lies upon the chalk. These were commanded by Tlepolemus, son of Hercules by Astyochea, whom he had carried off from Ephyra, on the river Selleis, after sacking many cities of valiant warriors. When Tlepolemus grew up, he killed his father’s uncle Licymnius, who had been a famous warrior in his time, but was then grown old. On this he built himself a fleet, gathered a great following, and fled beyond the sea, for he was menaced by the other sons and grandsons of Hercules. After a voyage, during which he suffered great hardship, he came to Rhodes, where the people divided into three communities, according to their tribes, and were dearly loved by Jove, the lord of gods and men; wherefore the son of Saturn showered down great riches upon them.

Tlepolemus, son of Hercules, was a brave man of great size. He brought nine ships of noble warriors from Rhodes. These men lived in Rhodes, divided among three cities: Lindus, Ielysus, and Cameirus, which stands on chalk ground. Their commander was Tlepolemus, son of Hercules and Astyochea. Hercules had carried Astyochea off from Ephyra, on the river Selleis, after sacking many cities of brave warriors. When Tlepolemus grew up, he killed his father’s uncle Licymnius. Licymnius had been a famous warrior in his day, but was now old. After the killing, Tlepolemus built a fleet, gathered a large following, and fled overseas. He fled because the other sons and grandsons of Hercules threatened him. After a voyage of great hardship, he reached Rhodes. There, the people divided into three communities according to their tribes. Jove, lord of gods and men, loved them dearly. So the son of Saturn showered them with great riches.

And Nireus brought three ships from Syme—Nireus, who was the handsomest man that came up under Ilius of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus—but he was a man of no substance, and had but a small following.

And Nireus brought three ships from Syme. Of all the Danaans who came to Ilius, Nireus was the handsomest after the son of Peleus. But he was a man of no standing and had only a small following.

And those that held Nisyrus, Crapathus, and Casus, with Cos, the city of Eurypylus, and the Calydnian islands, these were commanded by Pheidippus and Antiphus, two sons of King Thessalus the son of Hercules. And with them there came thirty ships.

The men from Nisyrus, Crapathus, Casus, Cos, the city of Eurypylus, and the Calydnian islands were led by Pheidippus and Antiphus. These two were sons of King Thessalus, the son of Hercules. They came with thirty ships.

Those again who held Pelasgic Argos, Alos, Alope, and Trachis; and those of Phthia and Hellas the land of fair women, who were called Myrmidons, Hellenes, and Achaeans; these had fifty ships, over which Achilles was in command. But they now took no part in the war, inasmuch as there was no one to marshal them; for Achilles stayed by his ships, furious about the loss of the girl Briseis, whom he had taken from Lyrnessus at his own great peril, when he had sacked Lyrnessus and Thebe, and had overthrown Mynes and Epistrophus, sons of king Evenor, son of Selepus. For her sake Achilles was still grieving, but ere long he was again to join them.

Others held Pelasgic Argos, Alos, Alope, and Trachis, as well as Phthia and Hellas, the land of beautiful women. These men were called Myrmidons, Hellenes, and Achaeans. They had fifty ships under Achilles’ command. But now they took no part in the war because no one was there to lead them. Achilles stayed by his ships, furious over the loss of the girl Briseis. He had captured her at great personal risk in Lyrnessus when he sacked Lyrnessus and Thebe. In that attack, he had defeated Mynes and Epistrophus, sons of king Evenor, who was the son of Selepus. Achilles was still grieving for Briseis, but he would soon join his men again.

And those that held Phylace and the flowery meadows of Pyrasus, sanctuary of Ceres; Iton, the mother of sheep; Antrum upon the sea, and Pteleum that lies upon the grass lands. Of these brave Protesilaus had been captain while he was yet alive, but he was now lying under the earth. He had left a wife behind him in Phylace to tear her cheeks in sorrow, and his house was only half finished, for he was slain by a Dardanian warrior while leaping foremost of the Achaeans upon the soil of Troy. Still, though his people mourned their chieftain, they were not without a leader, for Podarces, of the race of Mars, marshalled them; he was son of Iphiclus, rich in sheep, who was the son of Phylacus, and he was own brother to Protesilaus, only younger, Protesilaus being at once the elder and the more valiant. So the people were not without a leader, though they mourned him whom they had lost. With him there came forty ships.

And there were those who held Phylace and the flower-filled meadows of Pyrasus, a sanctuary of Ceres. They also held Iton, a land that bred sheep, Antrum by the sea, and Pteleum in the grasslands. Brave Protesilaus had led these men while he lived, but now he lay beneath the earth. He had left a wife in Phylace to tear her cheeks in grief, and his house was only half finished. For a Dardanian warrior had killed him as he leaped ashore at Troy, the first of the Achaeans to land. Still, although his people mourned their chief, they were not without a leader. Podarces, descended from Mars, commanded them. He was the son of Iphiclus, who owned many sheep and was himself the son of Phylacus. Podarces was the younger brother of Protesilaus, who was both older and braver. So the people were not without a leader, though they mourned the one they had lost. Forty ships came with Podarces.

And those that held Pherae by the Boebean lake, with Boebe, Glaphyrae, and the populous city of Iolcus, these with their eleven ships were led by Eumelus, son of Admetus, whom Alcestis bore to him, loveliest of the daughters of Pelias.

The men who held Pherae by the Boebean lake also held Boebe, Glaphyrae, and the populous city of Iolcus. Eumelus led these men and their eleven ships. He was the son of Admetus and Alcestis, the loveliest of the daughters of Pelias.

And those that held Methone and Thaumacia, with Meliboea and rugged Olizon, these were led by the skilful archer Philoctetes, and they had seven ships, each with fifty oarsmen all of them good archers; but Philoctetes was lying in great pain in the Island of Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaeans left him, for he had been bitten by a poisonous water snake. There he lay sick and sorry, and full soon did the Argives come to miss him. But his people, though they felt his loss were not leaderless, for Medon, the bastard son of Oileus by Rhene, set them in array.

The men who held Methone and Thaumacia, along with Meliboea and rugged Olizon, were led by the skilled archer Philoctetes. They had seven ships, each with fifty oarsmen, all of them good archers. But Philoctetes lay in great pain on the Island of Lemnos. The sons of the Achaeans had left him there because a poisonous water snake had bitten him. There he lay, sick and miserable, and the Argives soon came to miss him. But although his people felt his loss, they were not without a leader. Medon, the son of Oileus and Rhene born outside marriage, organized them for battle.

Those, again, of Tricca and the stony region of Ithome, and they that held Oechalia, the city of Oechalian Eurytus, these were commanded by the two sons of Aesculapius, skilled in the art of healing, Podalirius and Machaon. And with them there came thirty ships.

Others came from Tricca and the rocky region of Ithome, and from Oechalia, the city of Oechalian Eurytus. These men were commanded by the two sons of Aesculapius, Podalirius and Machaon, both skilled in healing. Thirty ships came with them.

The men, moreover, of Ormenius, and by the fountain of Hypereia, with those that held Asterius, and the white crests of Titanus, these were led by Eurypylus, the son of Euaemon, and with them there came forty ships.

There were also men from Ormenius and the fountain of Hypereia, and men who held Asterius and Titanus’s white peaks. Eurypylus, son of Euaemon, led these men, and forty ships came with them.

Those that held Argissa and Gyrtone, Orthe, Elone, and the white city of Oloosson, of these brave Polypoetes was leader. He was son of Pirithous, who was son of Jove himself, for Hippodameia bore him to Pirithous on the day when he took his revenge on the shaggy mountain savages and drove them from Mt. Pelion to the Aithices. But Polypoetes was not sole in command, for with him was Leonteus, of the race of Mars, who was son of Coronus, the son of Caeneus. And with these there came forty ships.

Brave Polypoetes led the men who held Argissa, Gyrtone, Orthe, Elone, and the white city of Oloosson. He was the son of Pirithous, who was himself the son of Jove. Hippodameia bore Polypoetes to Pirithous on the day Pirithous took revenge on the shaggy mountain savages. Pirithous drove them from Mt. Pelion to the Aithices. But Polypoetes shared command with Leonteus, a descendant of Mars. Leonteus was the son of Coronus, who was the son of Caeneus. Forty ships came with these leaders.

Guneus brought two and twenty ships from Cyphus, and he was followed by the Enienes and the valiant Peraebi, who dwelt about wintry Dodona, and held the lands round the lovely river Titaresius, which sends its waters into the Peneus. They do not mingle with the silver eddies of the Peneus, but flow on the top of them like oil; for the Titaresius is a branch of dread Orcus and of the river Styx.

Guneus brought twenty-two ships from Cyphus. He was followed by the Enienes and the brave Peraebi, who lived around wintry Dodona. They also held the lands around the lovely river Titaresius, whose waters flow into the Peneus. The waters of the Titaresius do not mix with the silver swirls of the Peneus. Instead, they flow on top like oil, because the Titaresius is a branch of dread Orcus and the river Styx.

Of the Magnetes, Prothous son of Tenthredon was commander. They were they that dwelt about the river Peneus and Mt. Pelion. Prothous, fleet of foot, was their leader, and with him there came forty ships.

Prothous, son of Tenthredon, commanded the Magnetes. They lived around the river Peneus and Mount Pelion. Prothous, who was swift on his feet, was their leader, and forty ships came with him.

Such were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans. Who, then, O Muse, was the foremost, whether man or horse, among those that followed after the sons of Atreus?

These were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans. Tell me, Muse, who was the greatest, man or horse, among those who followed the sons of Atreus?

Of the horses, those of the son of Pheres were by far the finest. They were driven by Eumelus, and were as fleet as birds. They were of the same age and colour, and perfectly matched in height. Apollo, of the silver bow, had bred them in Perea—both of them mares, and terrible as Mars in battle. Of the men, Ajax, son of Telamon, was much the foremost so long as Achilles’ anger lasted, for Achilles excelled him greatly and he had also better horses; but Achilles was now holding aloof at his ships by reason of his quarrel with Agamemnon, and his people passed their time upon the sea-shore, throwing discs or aiming with spears at a mark, and in archery. Their horses stood each by his own chariot, champing lotus and wild celery. The chariots were housed under cover, but their owners, for lack of leadership, wandered hither and thither about the host and went not forth to fight.

By far the finest horses were those of the son of Pheres. Eumelus drove them, and they were as swift as birds. They were the same age and colour, and exactly matched in height. Apollo, god of the silver bow, had bred them in Perea. Both were mares, as fearsome as Mars in battle. Among the men, Ajax, son of Telamon, was by far the greatest as long as Achilles remained angry. For Achilles was far greater than Ajax and also had better horses. But Achilles now stayed apart by his ships because of his quarrel with Agamemnon. His men passed their time on the seashore, throwing discs, aiming spears at a target, and practising archery. Their horses stood beside their own chariots, chewing lotus and wild celery. The chariots were kept under cover. But without leadership, their owners wandered here and there through the army and did not go out to fight.

Thus marched the host like a consuming fire, and the earth groaned beneath them when the lord of thunder is angry and lashes the land about Typhoeus among the Arimi, where they say Typhoeus lies. Even so did the earth groan beneath them as they sped over the plain.

So the army marched like a raging fire, and the earth groaned beneath them. It groans the same way when the lord of thunder is angry and lashes the land around Typhoeus among the Arimi. There, people say, Typhoeus lies. Just so, the earth groaned beneath the army as the soldiers raced across the plain.

And now Iris, fleet as the wind, was sent by Jove to tell the bad news among the Trojans. They were gathered in assembly, old and young, at Priam’s gates, and Iris came close up to Priam, speaking with the voice of Priam’s son Polites, who, being fleet of foot, was stationed as watchman for the Trojans on the tomb of old Aesyetes, to look out for any sally of the Achaeans. In his likeness Iris spoke, saying, “Old man, you talk idly, as in time of peace, while war is at hand. I have been in many a battle, but never yet saw such a host as is now advancing. They are crossing the plain to attack the city as thick as leaves or as the sands of the sea. Hector, I charge you above all others, do as I say. There are many allies dispersed about the city of Priam from distant places and speaking divers tongues. Therefore, let each chief give orders to his own people, setting them severally in array and leading them forth to battle.”

Now Jove sent Iris, swift as the wind, to bring the Trojans the bad news. The Trojans, old and young, were gathered in an assembly at Priam’s gates. Iris approached Priam and spoke in the voice of his son Polites. Because Polites was a fast runner, he had been stationed as a lookout on the tomb of old Aesyetes. His task was to watch for any attack by the Achaeans. Taking his form, Iris said, “Old man, you talk of idle things as though it were peacetime, while war is near. I have fought in many battles, but I have never seen an army as large as the one approaching now. The soldiers are crossing the plain to attack the city, as thick as leaves or the sands of the sea. Hector, above all others, I urge you to do as I say. Many allies from distant places are scattered around Priam’s city, speaking different languages. So let each chief give orders to his own people, arrange them in ranks, and lead them into battle.”

Thus she spoke, but Hector knew that it was the goddess, and at once broke up the assembly. The men flew to arms; all the gates were opened, and the people thronged through them, horse and foot, with the tramp as of a great multitude.

She spoke, but Hector knew she was the goddess and immediately ended the assembly. The men rushed to take up their weapons. All the gates were opened, and the people crowded through on horseback and on foot, their footsteps thundering like a great crowd’s.

Now there is a high mound before the city, rising by itself upon the plain. Men call it Batieia, but the gods know that it is the tomb of lithe Myrine. Here the Trojans and their allies divided their forces.

A high mound stands alone on the plain in front of the city. People call it Batieia, but the gods know it is the tomb of graceful Myrine. At this mound, the Trojans and their allies divided their forces.

Priam’s son, great Hector of the gleaming helmet, commanded the Trojans, and with him were arrayed by far the greater number and most valiant of those who were longing for the fray.

Priam’s son, great Hector in his gleaming helmet, commanded the Trojans. With him stood by far the largest number of warriors eager for battle, including the bravest.

The Dardanians were led by brave Aeneas, whom Venus bore to Anchises, when she, goddess though she was, had lain with him upon the mountain slopes of Ida. He was not alone, for with him were the two sons of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, both skilled in all the arts of war.

The Dardanians were led by brave Aeneas, the son of Venus and Anchises. Though Venus was a goddess, she had slept with Anchises on the mountain slopes of Ida. Aeneas was not alone. With him were Antenor’s two sons, Archelochus and Acamas, both skilled in all the arts of war.

They that dwelt in Telea under the lowest spurs of Mt. Ida, men of substance, who drink the limpid waters of the Aesepus, and are of Trojan blood—these were led by Pandarus son of Lycaon, whom Apollo had taught to use the bow.

The men who lived in Telea, below the lowest ridges of Mt. Ida, were wealthy. They drank the clear waters of the Aesepus and were of Trojan descent. Their leader was Pandarus, son of Lycaon. Apollo had taught Pandarus to use the bow.

They that held Adresteia and the land of Apaesus, with Pityeia, and the high mountain of Tereia—these were led by Adrestus and Amphius, whose breastplate was of linen. These were the sons of Merops of Percote, who excelled in all kinds of divination. He told them not to take part in the war, but they gave him no heed, for fate lured them to destruction.

The men who held Adresteia, the land of Apaesus, Pityeia, and the high mountain of Tereia had two leaders. These were Adrestus and Amphius, who wore a linen breastplate. Both were sons of Merops of Percote, who excelled in all forms of divination. Merops warned his sons not to join the war. But they ignored him, for fate lured them to destruction.

They that dwelt about Percote and Practius, with Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe—these were led by Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a brave commander—Asius, the son of Hyrtacus, whom his powerful dark bay steeds, of the breed that comes from the river Selleis, had brought from Arisbe.

The people living around Percote and Practius, along with those of Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe, were led by Asius. Asius, son of Hyrtacus, was a brave commander. His powerful dark bay horses had brought him from Arisbe. These horses belonged to the breed from the river Selleis.

Hippothous led the tribes of Pelasgian spearsmen, who dwelt in fertile Larissa—Hippothous, and Pylaeus of the race of Mars, two sons of the Pelasgian Lethus, son of Teutamus.

Hippothous led the tribes of Pelasgian spearmen who lived in fertile Larissa. Their leaders were Hippothous and Pylaeus, descendants of Mars. Both were sons of the Pelasgian Lethus, who was the son of Teutamus.

Acamas and the warrior Peirous commanded the Thracians and those that came from beyond the mighty stream of the Hellespont.

Acamas and the warrior Peirous led the Thracians. They also led those who came from beyond the mighty waters of the Hellespont.

Euphemus, son of Troezenus, the son of Ceos, was captain of the Ciconian spearsmen.

Euphemus was the son of Troezenus and grandson of Ceos. He led the Ciconian spearmen.

Pyraechmes led the Paeonian archers from distant Amydon, by the broad waters of the river Axius, the fairest that flow upon the earth.

Pyraechmes led the Paeonian archers from distant Amydon, beside the broad waters of the river Axius. Its waters are the most beautiful on earth.

The Paphlagonians were commanded by stout-hearted Pylaemanes from Enetae, where the mules run wild in herds. These were they that held Cytorus and the country round Sesamus, with the cities by the river Parthenius, Cromna, Aegialus, and lofty Erithini.

The Paphlagonians were led by brave Pylaemanes from Enetae, where mules run wild in herds. They held Cytorus and the country around Sesamus, along with the cities by the river Parthenius. They also held Cromna, Aegialus, and high Erithini.

Odius and Epistrophus were captains over the Halizoni from distant Alybe, where there are mines of silver.

Odius and Epistrophus led the Halizoni from distant Alybe, where there are silver mines.

Chromis, and Ennomus the augur, led the Mysians, but his skill in augury availed not to save him from destruction, for he fell by the hand of the fleet descendant of Aeacus in the river, where he slew others also of the Trojans.

Chromis and Ennomus the augur led the Mysians, but Ennomus’s skill in reading omens could not save him from death. For the swift descendant of Aeacus killed him in the river, where he also killed other Trojans.

Phorcys, again, and noble Ascanius led the Phrygians from the far country of Ascania, and both were eager for the fray.

Phorcys and noble Ascanius led the Phrygians from the distant land of Ascania. Both leaders were eager to fight.

Mesthles and Antiphus commanded the Meonians, sons of Talaemenes, born to him of the Gygaean lake. These led the Meonians, who dwelt under Mt. Tmolus.

Mesthles and Antiphus commanded the Meonians. Both were sons of Talaemenes and the Gygaean lake. The brothers led the Meonians, who lived below Mt. Tmolus.

Nastes led the Carians, men of a strange speech. These held Miletus and the wooded mountain of Phthires, with the water of the river Maeander and the lofty crests of Mt. Mycale. These were commanded by Nastes and Amphimachus, the brave sons of Nomion. He came into the fight with gold about him, like a girl; fool that he was, his gold was of no avail to save him, for he fell in the river by the hand of the fleet descendant of Aeacus, and Achilles bore away his gold.

Nastes led the Carians, men who spoke a strange language. They held Miletus and the wooded mountain of Phthires, along with the waters of the river Maeander. They also held the high peaks of Mt. Mycale. Their commanders were Nastes and Amphimachus, the brave sons of Nomion. He went into battle wearing gold, like a girl. Fool that he was, his gold could not save him. For he was killed in the river by the swift descendant of Aeacus, and Achilles carried off his gold.

Sarpedon and Glaucus led the Lycians from their distant land, by the eddying waters of the Xanthus.

Sarpedon and Glaucus led the Lycians from their distant homeland beside the swirling waters of the Xanthus.